Kentucky Tops Florida For Perfect SEC Finish

The #1 Kentucky Wildcats were the only team in 2012 to finish with an unblemished conference schedule, closing 16-0 in SEC play. Their latest victory was a 74-59 takedown of the #16 Florida Gators, with the Gainsville crowd unable to shake them. Now 30-1, Kentucky was led once again by super frosh Anthony Davis with 22 points, 12 boards and 6 blocks. Florida got 21 points and 9 boards from sophomore Patric Young, but there guards were held neutral by the quick Kentucky defense.

With Anthony Davis thought to be a possible triple crown award winner, considered the favorite for freshman, defensive and national player of the year, John Calipari is preparing for the tournament by simulating life without him. It has been pretty incredible that Davis, who is currently leading the NCAA with 4.7 blocks per game, has not had foul trouble become a major issue. However, just to be safe, Kentucky is taking time to prepare for the possibility of playing without him for larger portions of time.

During their lone loss of the year to Indiana, Kentucky was indeed forced to play large chunks of the game with Davis on bench with foul trouble. With the NCAA tournament usually leading to more physical, methodical play, teams might try to attack the paint despite Davis' shot swatting prowess to draw cheap fouls. Kentucky has taken time in each practice to play Davis on the second team with either Terrence Jones at center or Eloy Vargas taking the spot with Jones staying at the 4. This preparation seems like a great idea, as more physical teams might try to break the trend of Davis being relatively foul free.